World Heart Day-keep your Heart healthy and Strong-Dr Sidhu
Dr. Gurpreet Singh Sidhu (MD, DM Cardiology) /Patiala
This year’s theme for World Heart Day is about celebrating and connecting like- minded people. It is about creating a sense of commitment around the common cause of heart health. The campaign launched by the World Heart Federation reads “Make Your Heart Promise.” The goal behind the campaign is to inspire the public to make their own promise to keep their heart healthy and strong.
Being the Chief Consultant Cardiologist at Patiala Heart Institute, I have observed a significant increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Prevention of CVD is possible by educating the public and it could begin by making a few small changes to our lives. I believe the theme for this year’s World Heart Day educates, inspires and motivates people to take charge of their heart health and say no to all heart ailing habits such as smoking, sedentary life style, unhealthy eating habits, etc.
Here are a few gems of knowledge, being mindful of them will make you a ‘heart smart person’!In a global INTERHEART study, there are nine modifiable factors that have been found to account for 90% of the risk of a first heart attack. These factors are consistent for both men and women, across different geographic regions and ethnic groups. They are major risk factors like – abnormal lipid levels, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and abdominal obesity. Other risk factors – absence of physical activity, low intake of fruits, vegetables every day, alcohol over consumption and psychosocial index also known as stress, depression.
Be watchful of any of these heart attack warning signs and don’t wait to rush the patient to nearest hospital. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call for help if you experience:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Rest assured that science has made tremendous advancement and if you reach in time to a fully equipped cardiac hospital with a team of cardiologists, damage can be reversed to large extent.
(The writer is Managing Director of Patiala Heart Institute)
